People living at more than 14,000 households in Basildon can now help the environment without taking more than a step beyond their front gate.

Jenny the Jar and Basil Bear joined up with Basildon councillor Stephen Hillier to launch a new kerbside glass-recycling scheme at the start of national glass week.

Smashing - councillor Stephen Hillier gets a helping hand recyling his glass bottles from Basil Bear and Jenny Jar Picture: ROB BROWNE

The promotion has been set up to encourage people to use products packaged in glass and then recycle it.

Glass can be recycled indefinitely, helping the environment by reducing the amount of raw materials being quarried from the countryside, saving energy and helping to reduce global warming.

Mr Hillier, environment and regeneration portfolio holder, said: "The council has a 20 per cent recycling target for 2003.

"The roll out of new kerbside collections, such as the glass recycling scheme, are essential in helping to achieve this target"

The council has more than 70 recycling sites for glass bottles and jars around the district. For the nearest site, call 01268 294889.

More information about getting involved in national glass week can be found at www.glasspromise.com

Published Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo